Washington minimum wage
Minimum wage in Washington, in effect since January 1, 2026
$17.13 an hour
That is $9.88 above the federal minimum of $7.25. Employers in Washington pay the higher state rate.
Next increase: $17.73 on January 1, 2027.
Tipped employees
Washington doesn't allow a tip credit. Tipped employees must get the full $17.13 an hour from the employer, and tips are on top.
Youth and training wages
Workers aged 14 and 15 may be paid no less than 85% of the adult minimum wage.
Scheduled increases
| Effective date | Standard rate | Tipped cash wage | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 (current) | $17.13 | $17.13 | In effect |
| January 1, 2027 | $17.73 | $17.73 | Announced Ages 14 and 15: $15.07 from Jan. 1, 2027. |
How future increases are set
Adjusted every January 1 for inflation (CPI-W); L&I announces the new rate by September 30.
Exceptions and details
- Tips and service charges cannot count toward the hourly minimum wage.
- Some cities have higher local rates (handled separately).
Cities and counties with a higher minimum wage
These places in Washington set their own minimum wage. Employers there pay the local rate.
| Place | Minimum wage | Next change |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $19.13 | $19.73 on January 1, 2027 |
| Burien | $21.78 | — |
| Everett | $20.77 | — |
| King County (unincorporated) | $20.82 | $21.57 on January 1, 2027 |
| Renton | $21.57 | — |
| SeaTac | $20.74 | $21.47 on January 1, 2027 |
| Seattle | $21.30 | $22.14 on January 1, 2027 |
| Tukwila | $21.65 | — |
Common questions
- What is the minimum wage in Washington?
- $17.13 an hour, in effect since January 1, 2026.
- What is the tipped minimum wage in Washington?
- Washington doesn't allow a tip credit, so tipped employees get the full $17.13 an hour before tips.
- When does the Washington minimum wage go up?
- It rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027.
- Do any cities or counties in Washington have a higher minimum wage?
- Yes: Bellingham ($19.13), Burien ($21.78), Everett ($20.77), King County (unincorporated) ($20.82), Renton ($21.57), SeaTac ($20.74), Seattle ($21.30), Tukwila ($21.65).
Running payroll in Washington?
Recent changes
Last verified against the official source on October 9, 2026.
No changes recorded since we started tracking this page.
Sources
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries · data as of January 1, 2026 · last checked October 9, 2026
We copy figures from official sources and re-check them against the source before every update. See our methodology. This is general information, not legal advice.